DNR Weekly News Update for February 4, 2020
Weekly NewsPublished February 4, 2020
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Enjoy And Help Care For State Natural Areas This Winter
Decade Of Growth Safeguards More Rare Wildlife And Habitats
Van Vliet Hemlocks in Vilas County is among new State Natural Areas acquired over the last decade.Photo credit: Thomas Meyer
Contact(s): Thomas Meyer, Conservation Biologist, 608-266-0394, Thomas.meyer@wisconsin.gov OR Jared Urban, SNA Volunteer Program Coordinator, 608-228-4349, jared.urban@wisconsin.gov
MADISON, Wis. - Winter is a great time to explore and help care for the State Natural Areas that belong to all Wisconsinites. There are more opportunities to do both in 2020 thanks to expansions of these sites over the past decade and increased staff and volunteer capacity to manage them.
"Now is a great time to get out and enjoy these special places," said Drew Feldkirchner, who leads the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Conservation Program staff who care for State Natural Areas (SNAs). "Explore on your own on snowshoes or join us for a volunteer workday at a site near you. Come see for yourself why volunteers say the exercise, camaraderie and beautiful views at these workdays are a great way to start the new year."
In the last decade, the number of State Natural Areas grew from 602 to 692 and from 348,000 to 404,000 acres. They constitute about 1% of the 34.7 million acres in Wisconsin. Some natural areas were new designations on existing state properties, while others were new land acquisitions or donations.
SLIDE SHOW | 10 photosA decade of growth for State Natural Areas
Although the DNR holds more than half of these sites in trust for Wisconsinites, the U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and more than 50 other partners own and manage sites under a system established in 1951 that was spurred by Aldo Leopold and other Wisconsin conservation giants.
State Natural Areas are identified to conserve the best of Wisconsin prairies, forests, wetlands and other habitats that provide support for 90% of rare plant species and 75% of rare wildlife species. Nearly all properties are open to the public to enjoy while bird watching, hiking, hunting and fishing. However, most SNAs are largely undeveloped and do not have restrooms, trails and other facilities like state parks do.
Visit the DNR State Natural Areas webpages to find listings by county and interactive lists highlighting sites to explore for "Big Trees & Old Growth Forests" and "Scenic Vistas & Geological Wonders" and more.
Beefed up Work Crews, Volunteer Opportunities Boost Invasive Species Control on Natural Areas
Increased grant funding over the last decade has beefed up property management crews throughout Wisconsin to help manage State Natural Areas. In turn, crew members have fought invasive species using prescribed fire and other land management activities on a greater number of acres. Northwestern Wisconsin got its first crew members, strengthening the program's ability to detect and control invasive species before they can take a firm hold of a site, which is critical, Feldkirchner said.
Winter is a great time to strap on snowshoes to explore State Natural Areas, like Fern Dell Gorge in Sauk County.Photo credit: Ryder S. Will
The State Natural Areas volunteer program also has helped increase the number of sites getting needed invasive species control. By 2019, 34 volunteer groups were helping at 45 State Natural Areas, benefitting thousands of acres every year.
Morning workdays, mostly on Saturdays, are scheduled at many sites. Volunteers need no training and are provided equipment on site.
"We have volunteer groups stepping up all over the state to care for Wisconsin's State Natural Areas, and these winter volunteer workdays are a great way to get involved," said Jared Urban, who coordinates the SNA Volunteer Program.
People can see a list of workdays and sign up to receive email notices for them on the DNR website here.
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DNR Approves 10-Year Trout Management Plan
A new trout management plan is intended to protect, develop, enhance, and restore trout populations and trout angling opportunities for the diverse preferences and needs of our participants.Photo credit: DNR
Contact(s): Justin Haglund, Fisheries Biologist, 608-341-9465, JustinM.Haglund@Wisconsin.gov OR Kirk Olson, Fisheries Biologist, 608-785-9017, Kirk.Olson@wisconsin.gov
MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently approved its first statewide trout management plan. The plan provides direction for inland trout management in Wisconsin and will be in effect from 2020 to 2029.
The plan covers Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Lake Trout in inland lakes, ponds and streams of Wisconsin, including tributaries of the Great Lakes upstream from impassible barriers such as dams and naturally occurring falls.
The inland trout management plan includes four primary goals:
- Protect, enhance and restore sustainable cold-water aquatic habitats and ecosystems;
- Protect, develop, enhance and restore trout populations and trout angling opportunities for the diverse preferences and needs of our participants;
- Collect, develop and use the best science to guide trout management decisions; and
- Maintain and expand partnerships and engage diverse anglers, stakeholders and the general public on trout management and angling opportunities.
The Wisconsin DNR trout team developed the trout management plan with the input of a stakeholder team composed of individuals representing various groups across the state, such as anglers, landowners and farmers. The trout team met twice with the stakeholder group at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to create the plan, and the stakeholder team also reviewed the draft plan.
In spring 2019, the department released a draft of the plan to the public and presented it at statewide public meetings for additional public input. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board approved the plan at the October 2019 meeting. The final version of the plan will be used to guide trout management in Wisconsin over the next 10 years.
This plan can be accessed on the DNR website here.
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Invite A Pal For Take A Friend Snowmobiling Week
The DNR wants everyone to be able to safely enjoy the outdoors. Common sense is the greatest ally in preventing ice-related accidents.Photo credit: DNR
Contact(s): Warden Martin Stone, DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement; Martin.stone@wisconsin.gov, OR Joanne Haas, DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement public information officer, joanne.haas@wisconsin.gov, call or text - 608-209-8147.
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's winter is in full swing on the snowmobile trails, making it prime time to introduce a friend or two to this family-friendly outdoor activity.
Feb. 8 - 17 is Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week, sponsored by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and supported by snowmobile clubs nationwide.
The Department of Natural Resources urges all snowmobile enthusiasts to share Wisconsin's trails with someone who has never experienced the outdoor fun.
"Wisconsin has some of the nation's best snowmobile trails in the country, thanks to the landowners who open their property and the volunteers who sign and groom many of the nearly 25,000 miles that can be open if conditions allow," said DNR Conservation Warden Martin Stone, administrator for the DNR's Off-Highway Vehicle program. "And, safety is part of that fun. Wardens and partner law enforcement recreational patrols are on those trails, working to keep the trails safe and fun for all to enjoy."
Sober, Safe Speed, Helmets & Ice Conditions
An important goal for wardens is to help everyone have fun and make lifelong memories.
"Safe snowmobiling means you must operate within your specific capabilities, operating at safe following distances when riding with others and utilize appropriate speeds for the terrain, and of course whether it is daylight or night riding conditions," Stone said. "Practice 'Zero Alcohol' which is a personal choice to refrain from drinking any alcoholic beverages until you are done operating any motorized vehicle for the day or night and are back at your cabin, hotel or home."
Snowmobiling while impaired can have devastating consequences for you and others. Always wear a helmet, adequate clothing, and stay within designated riding areas.
The constant factor for any outdoor winter activity in Wisconsin is ice. Winter's fluctuating temperatures, snowfalls and snowmelts have made for often-changing terrain and mixed conditions on snowmobile trails.
"As you think about where you want to ride, please make sure you take the time to check in with the area's fishing clubs, snowmobile clubs or outfitters on the ice conditions. The DNR does not monitor those conditions, but those local experts will know," Stone said.
Here are more easy-to-follow snowmobile safety tips:
- In all likelihood, the ice looks thicker - and safer - than it is.
- The best advice to follow is no matter what the month, consider all ice unpredictable.
- There can be cracks and changes in the thickness you may not be able to see. This is especially true after the first cold nights, and the early ice is spotted.
- Always remember that ice is never completely safe under any conditions.
- Go with a friend. It is safer and more fun.
- Carry a cellphone and let people know where you are going and when you will return home.
- Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss.
- Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself - or others - out of the ice.
- Do not travel in unfamiliar areas - or at night.
- Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have currents, which can thin the ice.
- Take extra mittens or gloves, so you always have a dry pair.
- The DNR wants you to be safe enjoying the outdoors. Common sense is the greatest ally in preventing ice-related accidents.
And remember, snowmobile safety education is required in Wisconsin. All riders at least age 12 and born on or after January 1, 1985 are required to complete a course before they can legally operate. Riders age 16 and older may complete the course over the internet. Riders younger than that must complete the course in a class room setting.